European Journal of Radiology 53 (2005) 341352

The postoperative stomach

Courtney A. Woodeld, Marc S. Levine
Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA Received 10 November 2004; received in revised form 14 December 2004; accepted 17 December 2004

Abstract Gastric surgery may be performed for the treatment of a variety of benign and malignant diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract, including peptic ulcers and gastric carcinoma. Radiographic studies with water-soluble contrast agents often are obtained to rule out leaks, obstruction, or other acute complications during the early postoperative period. Barium studies may also be obtained to evaluate for anastomotic strictures or ulcers, bile reux gastritis, recurrent tumor, or other chronic complications during the late postoperative period. Cross-sectional imaging studies such as CT are also helpful for detecting abscesses or other postoperative collections, recurrent or metastatic tumor, or less common complications such as afferent loop syndrome or gastrojejunal intussusception. It is important for radiologists to be familiar not only with the radiographic ndings associated with these various abnormalities but also with the normal appearances of the postoperative stomach on radiographic examinations, so that such appearances are not mistaken for pseudoleaks or other postoperative complications. The purpose of this article is to describe the normal postsurgical anatomy after the most commonly performed operations (including partial gastrectomy, esophagogastrectomy and gastric pull-through, and total gastrectomy and esophagojejunostomy) and to review the acute and chronic complications, normal postoperative ndings, and major abnormalities detected on radiographic examinations in these patients. 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Stomach surgery; Stomach postoperative diagnostic imaging; Stomach surgery complications; Stomach surgery normal ndings

1. Introduction Gastric surgery often is performed for the treatment of benign and malignant diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Postoperative radiographic examinations are obtained in many of these patients to rule out leaks, obstruction, or other abnormalities after surgery. It therefore is important for radiologists to be familiar with the normal postoperative ndings as well as the complications associated with gastric surgery and their radiographic appearances. This article reviews the major forms of gastric surgery, the postoperative anatomy, associated complications, and the normal postoperative ndings and various abnormalities detected on radiographic examinations in these patients.

2. Imaging techniques The approach to imaging the postoperative stomach depends on the type of surgical procedure that has been performed, the postoperative time period (i.e., early or late), and the patients clinical status and presenting complaints. Upper gastrointestinal contrast studies and CT are the primary imaging tests used to evaluate the postoperative stomach, often in a complimentary fashion. 2.1. Upper gastrointestinal contrast examinations When an anastomotic leak or staple line dehiscence is suspected in the early or late postoperative periods, most surgeons will ask for an upper gastrointestinal study with watersoluble contrast material (e.g., diatrizoate meglumine and diatrizoate sodium [Gastroview]; Mallinckrodt, St. Louis, MO) as the initial imaging test [1]. The examination begins with scout images of the lower chest and upper abdomen to assess the presence or absence of a dilated viscus, extralu-

Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 215 662 6908; fax: +1 215 349 5925. E-mail address: marc.levine@uphs.upenn.edu (M.S. Levine).

0720-048X/$ see front matter 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.ejrad.2004.12.009

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minal gas collections, free intraperitoneal air, or pneumatosis as well as the location of surgical drains, clips, and sutures. Scout images can be obtained in frontal and, if necessary, oblique positions (collimated and magnied on the region of surgery), so that surgical material is not later mistaken for a small anastomotic leak. If the type of surgery is unknown, the pattern of surgical staples on the initial scout images can also help determine the operative procedure [2,3]. Water-soluble contrast material is recommended as the initial contrast agent for the evaluation of upper gastrointestinal leaks, as it has no known damaging effects on the mediastinum or peritoneal cavity [47]. The patient ingests the contrast agent in the upright position to evaluate swallowing function and transit of contrast material from the esophagus into the stomach. The patient is then placed in a semi-recumbent position to ensure adequate coating of the postoperative stomach, including all anastomoses and staple lines. If the patient is unable to drink, contrast material can also be administered via a nasogastric tube or percutaneous gastrostomy tube. The uoroscopist initially should focus on anastomoses and staple lines (the most likely sites of perforation), obtaining early spot images of these regions in order to avoid missing a small leak. The position of the patient in which a leak is best visualized often depends on the type of surgery performed (e.g., left posterior oblique position for a pyloroplasty). Small anastomotic leaks may appear as blind-ending tracks or as self-contained extraluminal collections extending away from surgical anastomoses [8]. The presence of contrast material in a surgical drain also indicates the presence of a small leak, even when leaks are not otherwise visualized on these studies. Larger leaks may be manifested by broader channels of contrast material extending away from surgical anastomoses into peri-anastomotic collections or by free extravasation of contrast material into the mediastinum or peritoneal cavity [8]. If no leak is detected with water-soluble contrast material, the study should be repeated with barium, which has been found to be a better medium than water-soluble contrast agents for visualizing subtle postoperative leaks, presumably because of its greater radiodensity and adherence properties [47]. Recent work has shown that high-density (250%, w/v) barium is even more sensitive than low-density (60100%, w/v) barium for visualization of subtle leaks missed with water-soluble contrast agents (Fig. 1) [9]. We therefore believe that high-density barium should be given routinely to these patients to detect postoperative leaks not visualized with water-soluble contrast media. When symptoms develop in the late postoperative period (i.e., more than 30 days after surgery) in patients who are reasonably mobile and cooperative, a double-contrast upper gastrointestinal study may be performed to better evaluate the gastric and esophageal mucosa for inammatory changes, strictures, or recurrent tumor. These postoperative studies require a larger dose of intravenous glucagon (1 mg

Fig. 1. Leak from esophagojejunal anastomosis seen only with high-density barium. (A) Spot image from study with water-soluble contrast agent shows total gastrectomy and esophagojejunostomy with contrast material in efferent loop of proximal jejunum and short, blind-ending jejunal stump. Also note possible tiny leak (arrow) from left lateral aspect of anastomosis. (B) Repeat view with high-density barium shows denite tiny leak (white arrow) from left lateral aspect of esophagojejunal anastomosis as well as second leak (black arrow) from right lateral anastomosis that was not visualized with water-soluble contrast agent.

versus 0.1 mg) to prevent rapid transit of barium and air through the gastric remnant into the small bowel, which can limit the diagnostic value of this examination. When the primary purpose of the study is to evaluate the postsurgical anatomy, rule out obstruction, or assess the integrity of

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gastric staple lines after gastric bypass surgery, however, a single-contrast study remains the radiographic examination of choice. As in single-contrast upper gastrointestinal studies, the patient initially ingests the high-density barium in the upright position to evaluate for laryngeal penetration or aspiration, esophageal mucosal abnormalities, and transit of barium through the upper gastrointestinal tract. The patient is then positioned more horizontally and rotated to ensure adequate coating of gastric mucosal surfaces before obtaining double-contrast views of the stomach. Depending on the type of surgery, the position in which the gastroenteric and enteroenteric anastomoses are best visualized is variable. Prone positioning may be helpful for lling the efferent and afferent jejunal loops. Prone swallowing can also be performed to better evaluate esophageal motility and distensibility. 2.2. Computed tomography When patients develop generalized symptoms (e.g., abdominal pain) in the early or late postoperative periods, CT scans may be obtained with contiguous 5-mm axial sections from the lung apices or lung bases to the pubic symphysis after administration of both oral and intravenous contrast material. If these patients have clinical signs or symptoms of a leak, water-soluble contrast media should be used rather than barium as the oral contrast agent. CT provides greater detail about the overall anatomy than upper gastrointestinal contrast studies and is better able to dene the nature, location, and extent of postoperative collections. Small amounts of extraluminal uid, contrast material, and air that are not visible on uoroscopic images can be readily detected on CT, suggesting the presence of a postoperative leak that otherwise might be missed. CT is also useful for evaluating recurrent tumor, metastases, wound complications, and postoperative pancreatitis [10]. 2.3. Nuclear medicine Scintigraphic gastric emptying studies can be used to evaluate postoperative motility disorders, including gastrointestinal stasis, dumping syndrome, and diarrhea. Gastric emptying studies may be performed by having the patient ingest a Tc-99m sulfur colloid-labeled liquid or solid meal after an overnight fast. Images of the stomach are obtained in the anterior and posterior projections every 15 min for 1 h after completion of a liquid meal and for 2 h after completion of a solid meal. A time-activity curve can then be plotted to determine the half-emptying time of the stomach. Normally, liquids empty from the stomach in an exponential fashion, with a half-time of 40 min (range 1265 min), while solids empty from the stomach in a linear fashion with a half-time of 90 min (range 45110 min) [11].

3. Types of gastric surgery 3.1. Partial gastrectomy Partial gastrectomy with gastroduodenostomy or gastrojejunostomy may be performed for treatment of benign and malignant diseases of the stomach, such as gastric ulcers and gastric carcinoma. The site and extent of gastric resection depends on the nature and location of the lesion. Antrectomy with gastroduodenostomy can be used to treat refractory or complicated ulcers in the distal stomach, but this procedure is not often performed because of high rates of bile reux across the gastroduodenal anastomosis into the stomach. Instead, surgery for ulcers in the distal stomach usually consists of antrectomy and gastrojejunostomy. Subtotal gastrectomy with wide surgical margins of resection and gastrojejunostomy is the preferred surgery for distal gastric carcinomas [12]. 3.1.1. Postoperative anatomy In a partial distal gastrectomy with gastroduodenostomy (Billroth I procedure), the connection between the stomach and duodenum is an end-to-end anastomosis using the entire free edge of the stomach (Polya procedure) or a portion of the free edge with closure of the remaining portion of the stomach (Hofmeister modication) (Fig. 2). Trapping of ingested barium in the distorted folds and outpouchings of the gastric

Fig. 2. Partial gastrectomy with gastroduodenostomy (Billroth I procedure). Spot image from double-contrast barium study shows widely patent gastroduodenal anastomosis (arrows).

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Fig. 3. Partial gastrectomy with gastrojejunostomy (Billroth II procedure). Spot image from double-contrast barium study shows widely patent gastrojejunal anastomosis (arrows) with barium in afferent and efferent loops of proximal jejunum.

Fig. 4. Partial gastrectomy with plication defects at gastrojejunal anastomosis. Spot image from double-contrast barium study shows relatively symmetric plication defects (arrows) on both margins of gastrojejunal anastomosis. This nding should not be mistaken for recurrent tumor.

remnant near the anastomosis occasionally may be difcult to distinguish from recurrent ulcers [13]. Partial distal gastrectomy with gastrojejunostomy (Billroth II procedure) is more commonly performed than a Billroth I procedure because of fewer complications related to bile reux [14]. With this procedure, the entire free edge of the stomach (Polya procedure) or a portion of the free gastric edge (Hofmeister modication) is anastomosed to the jejunum via an end-to-side anastomosis (Fig. 3). With the latter procedure, the oversewn edge of the gastric remnant may be manifested by plication defects along both lateral margins of the gastrojejunal anastomosis, mimicking residual or recurrent tumor on barium studies (Fig. 4). The gastrojejunostomy can be further classied as a loop type gastrojejunal anastomosis or as a Roux-en-Y type reconstruction. A Roux-en-Y reconstruction entails separating a segment of proximal jejunum from the remaining small bowel. The proximal end of the intact jejunum is anatomized in a side-to-end fashion to the free edge of the stomach, and an end-to-side jejunojejunal anastomosis is created between the resected jejunal segment and the more distal jejunum. This Roux-en-Y reconstruction is superior to the loop type gastrojejunal anastomosis because it decreases bile reux from the small bowel into the stomach, thereby minimizing or preventing the development of bile reux gastritis in most patients [15]. A loop type gastrojejunal anastomosis is created by anastomosing the free end of the stomach to the side of a continuous jejunal segment. The portion of the duodenum or jejunum proximal to the anastomosis is described as the afferent loop, which carries potentially harmful bile and pancreatic secretions toward the stomach. The portion of jejunum distal to the anastomosis is described as the efferent loop. Loop type gastrojejunostomies can be positioned anterior (antecolic) or posterior (retrocolic) to the transverse colon. A retrocolic

anastomosis often is preferred, as it results in a shorter afferent loop and, presumably, fewer postoperative complications [14]. However, an antecolic anastomosis may be favored in patients with gastric carcinoma in order to avoid positioning the gastrojejunal anastomosis in the lesser sac, where tumor is more likely to recur [10]. A loop-type gastrojejunal anastomosis extending from left to right (with the afferent loop to the left and the efferent loop to the right) is characterized as isoperistaltic, as gastric and jejunal peristalsis are oriented in the same direction, facilitating gastric emptying. Conversely, a gastrojejunal anastomosis extending from right to left (with the afferent loop to the right and the efferent loop to the left) is characterized as antiperistaltic. The postoperative anatomy of Billroth I and II procedures, including the gastric remnant, gastrojejunal anastomosis, and proximal small bowel, can all be visualized both on upper gastrointestinal contrast studies and CT. Although a Billroth I gastroduodenostomy may be difcult to recognize on CT, the afferent loop is readily identied posterior to the superior mesenteric vessels in patients with a Billroth II gastrojejunostomy [10]. Metallic sutures or staples in the subhepatic space can also be used to mark the location of the duodenal stump on CT. However, the efferent jejunal loop is more difcult to identify because of its more variable and tortuous course [10]. 3.1.2. Postoperative complications 3.1.2.1. Acute. Leaks from any of the surgical anastomoses or suture lines (including the gastroduodenal, gastrojejunal, and jejunojejunal anastomoses and blind-ending duodenal stump) account for most of the early postoperative complications after partial gastrectomy. Dehiscence of the duodenal stump is a particularly serious complication, as extraluminal bile and pancreatic secretions in the peritoneal space

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and spasm at the gastrojejunal or jejunojejunal anastomoses may cause varying degrees of gastric outlet obstruction or small bowel obstruction that resolves spontaneously. 3.1.2.2. Chronic. One of the most common complications of a Billroth II partial gastrectomy in the late postoperative period is postsurgical scarring at the gastrojejunal anastomosis, resulting in the development of anastomotic strictures, with varying degrees of gastric outlet obstruction. Such strictures can lead to bloating, nausea, and nonbilious vomiting. Barium studies and CT may reveal a markedly dilated gastric remnant containing large amounts of uid and debris. When barium studies are performed, it is important to visualize anastomotic strictures in prole at uoroscopy in order to optimally assess their width and length. Because of overlap between the distal portion of the gastric remnant and proximal jejunum on frontal views, the strictures often are best seen on steep oblique or lateral spot views. When anastomotic strictures obstruct the gastrojejunal anastomosis, uoroscopically or endoscopically guided dilation procedures can be performed to relieve the obstruction without need for surgery in most cases [1719]. A Billroth II partial gastrectomy may be complicated by an afferent loop syndrome, dened as obstructive dilatation of the afferent loop of duodenum and proximal jejunum, with accumulation of bile and pancreatic secretions in the obstructed loop. Patients typically present with postprandial fullness, nausea, and bilious vomiting. With current surgical techniques, the prevalence of the afferent loop syndrome is less than 1% [20]. Obstruction of the afferent loop can be acute and complete or chronic and partial; causes include internal small bowel hernias, anastomotic strictures, adhesions, recurrent tumor, and intraperitoneal metastasis [2022]. The dilated afferent loop may not be visible on abdominal radiographs if the obstructed limb is lled with uid. On barium studies, delayed gastric emptying (with preferential lling of the efferent loop and little or no lling of the afferent loop) should suggest the diagnosis. However, the afferent loop also may not be visualized on barium studies in as many as 20% of patients [23]. CT is the imaging modality of choice for diagnosing an afferent loop syndrome; the dilated, uid-lled afferent loop as well as the cause of obstruction can be identied in most cases (Fig. 7) [22,24,25]. Treatment usually entails converting a simple loop gastrojejunostomy to a Roux-en-Y reconstruction [14]. Chronic reux of bile across gastrojejunal and jejunojejunal anastomoses into the gastric remnant can lead to bile reux gastritis, which occurs in 515% of all patients after partial gastrectomy [26]. Edema and inammation of the gastric wall may be manifested on barium studies by thickened, nodular folds with or without associated ulcers in the perianastomotic region of the gastric remnant (Fig. 8). Surprisingly, there is not a strong correlation between the degree of inammation and the degree of symptoms in these patients [14]. If intractable epigastric pain or bilious vomiting develops, however, the Billroth II procedure can be converted

Fig. 5. Leak from gastrojejunal anastomosis after partial gastrectomy and gastrojejunostomy. Spot image from study with water-soluble contrast agent shows focal leak (black arrow) from left lateral aspect of gastrojejunal anastomosis into large gas-containing extraluminal collection (white arrows) in left subphrenic space. (Note how gastric remnant is collapsed on this view).

may cause severe peritonitis [10]. Contrast studies can be used to detect and localize both large and small anastomotic leaks (Fig. 5). Findings on CT that suggest the presence of a leak (even if one is not visualized directly) include pneumoperitoneum, oral contrast material in an extraluminal location, and ndings associated with an intraabdominal abscess (Fig. 6) [16]. In other patients, postoperative edema

Fig. 6. Secondary signs of leak from gastrojejunal anastomosis on CT after partial gastrectomy and gastrojejunostomy. Unenhanced CT shows moderate amount of extraluminal gas (arrowheads) and extraluminal high-attenuation oral contrast material (arrows) in left upper quadrant. Study with watersoluble contrast agent (not shown) conrmed leak at gastrojejunal anastomosis.

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Fig. 7. Afferent loop obstruction after partial gastrectomy and gastrojejunostomy. Contrast-enhanced CT shows moderately dilated, uid-lled duodenum (arrowheads) between aorta and superior mesenteric artery (small arrow). Note how efferent loop is also mildly dilated (large arrow). This patient had postsurgical adhesions (not visualized on image) causing afferent loop obstruction.

Fig. 9. Bezoar in gastric remnant. Contrast-enhanced CT shows dilated gastric remnant as a large, inhomogeneous mass (arrows) containing debris and mottled gas. This patient had a stricture at gastrojejunal anastomosis (not visualized on image) after partial gastrectomy and gastrojejunostomy.

surgically to a Roux-en-Y reconstruction in order to divert bile and pancreatic secretions away from the gastric remnant [14]. Decreased or absent gastric acid secretion and gastric hypomotility after a partial gastrectomy and vagotomy can lead to retention of ingested brous material that coalesces to form a large mass, referred to as a gastric bezoar. Bezoars typically appear on barium studies and CT as large intraluminal masses with a mottled surface secondary to trapping of air

Fig. 8. Bile reux gastritis. Spot image from double-contrast barium study shows thickened, irregular folds in gastric remnant after partial gastrectomy and gastrojejunostomy. (Arrow denotes gastrojejunal anastomosis).

and contrast material in the crevices of the mass (Fig. 9). Bezoars usually are freely mobile within the gastric remnant, enabling differentiation from gastric tumors, which are attached to the gastric wall. Smaller bezoars may oat along the gastric air-uid interface, appearing as round or ovoid lling defects, and are lower in attenuation than particulate debris and food in the stomach on CT [27]. Gastric outlet obstruction is the major complication of gastric bezoars, but small bowel obstruction occasionally may occur if a bezoar passes spontaneously into the small intestine. Gastric bezoars often can be treated by mechanical break-up at endoscopy, but surgery usually is required to relieve bezoar-related small bowel obstructions [28]. Partial gastrectomies (Billroth I or II) for treatment of peptic ulcer disease may be complicated by anastomotic (marginal) ulcers, most commonly in the proximal jejunum abutting the anastomosis (Fig. 10) [29]. These marginal ulcers can be difcult to differentiate from postsurgical jejunal outpouchings on barium studies, so endoscopy may be required for further evaluation [30]. Rigidity of the anastomosis, focal edema, and thickened gastric folds are secondary signs that may help differentiate these ulcers from postsurgical changes at the anastomosis [3]. Potential causes of recurrent ulcers after partial gastrectomy include retained gastric antrum and gastrinomas [31]. Patients who have had a partial gastrectomy for gastric cancer are also at continued risk for developing recurrent tumor. Local and regional lymphadenopathy and peritoneal implants are the two most common forms of recurrent tumor [3234]. CT can be used to detect both nodal and peritoneal metastases as well as hematogenous metastases to the liver, lungs, adrenals, kidneys, and bones. Recurrent tumor at the gastrojejunal anastomosis may be manifested by focal thickening of the bowel wall on CT and by plaquelike, ulcerative, or polypoid lesions on barium studies [3,13]. In-

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Fig. 10. Marginal ulcer. Spot images from double-contrast barium study show marginal ulcer (arrow) in jejunum abutting gastrojejunal anastomosis after partial gastrectomy and gastrojejunostomy.

ltrative tumors may be manifested on barium studies by narrowing of the gastric remnant, which has straightened, irregular contours [13]. Whenever imaging tests raise concern about the possibility of recurrent tumor in the gastric remnant, endoscopy and biopsy should be performed for a more denitive diagnosis. Patients who have undergone a partial gastrectomy for benign disease, particularly peptic ulcer disease, are also at risk for developing carcinoma in the gastric remnant 10 or more years after the original surgery. These stump carcinomas typically involve the distal aspect of the gastric remnant at or near the gastrojejunal anastomosis [13,35,36]. Mucosal damage in the gastric remnant from chronic reux of bile and pancreatic secretions is thought to play a role in the development of stump carcinomas [37]. These tumors may appear on barium studies as inltrating, polypoid, ulcerative, or plaquelike lesions at or near the anastomotic margin (Fig. 11) [13]. Jejunogastric intussusception and gastrojejunal intussusception are rare complications after partial gastrectomy, with a reported incidence of only 0.1% [38]. In a jejunogastric intussusception, the efferent loop (rather than the afferent loop) usually intussuscepts into the gastric remnant. This intussusception can be visualized by a variety of imaging modalities including CT, ultrasound, and barium studies. On CT, a segment of proximal jejunum, along with adjacent mesenteric fat and vessels, is seen to extend into the gastric remnant [39]. On barium studies, the intussuscepted loop of jejunum may be manifested by a coiled-spring defect in the gastric remnant [13]. Conversely, a gastrojejunal intussusception may be manifested on barium studies by narrowing of the distal portion of the gastric remnant with a coiled-spring defect in the proximal jejunum abutting the anastomosis (Fig. 12). 3.2. Esophagogastrectomy and gastric pull-through Esophagogastrectomy with gastric pull-through and a cervical or intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis is per-

Fig. 11. Carcinoma of gastric stump. Spot image from double-contrast barium study shows irregular narrowing (white arrows) of lower end of gastric remnant due to carcinoma developing many years after partial gastrectomy and gastrojejunostomy. Also note narrowing (black arrows) of afferent and efferent loops of jejunum abutting anastomosis due to encasement by tumor.

formed for both benign and malignant diseases, most notably esophageal and proximal gastric carcinomas [40]. This operation may be done via a transthoracic or transhiatal approach. A right transthoracic esophagectomy often is performed for tumors arising from the upper two-thirds of the esophagus, while a left transthoracic esophagectomy is reserved primarily for tumors arising in the distal esophagus or at the gastric cardia [40]. A transhiatal esophagectomy without a thoracotomy may also be performed for tumors of the thoracic or cervical esophagus [40]. No signicant differences have been found in the 5-year survival rates after esophagogastrectomy and gastric pull-through performed via transthoracic and transhiatal approaches [41]. 3.2.1. Postoperative anatomy Transthoracic esophagogastrectomy using separate right thoracotomy and abdominal incisions (Ivor Lewis esophagectomy) involves mobilization of the stomach through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm via an upper abdominal incision. The esophagus is resected through

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Fig. 13. Leak from esophagogastric anastomosis. Spot image from study with water-soluble contrast agent after esophagogastrectomy and gastric pull-through shows focal leak from esophagogastric anastomosis into extraluminal collection (white arrows) at thoracic inlet. (Black arrow denotes esophagogastric anastomosis). Fig. 12. Antegrade gastrojejunal intussusception. Spot image from barium study shows narrowing (white arrow) of gastric remnant with coil-spring defect (black arrows) in proximal jejunum abutting gastrojejunal anastomosis due to gastrojejunal intussusception.

a separate right thoracotomy, and an esophagogastric anastomosis is created at the level of the thoracic or cervical esophagus. In contrast, transhiatal esophagectomy involves mobilization of the stomach through a high upper abdominal incision. The esophagus is dissected inferiorly via the abdominal incision and superiorly via a second cervical incision. The esophagus is then transected proximally, and a high cervical esophagogastric anastomosis is created [40]. A concomitant pyloroplasty or pyloromyotomy usually is performed for both transthoracic and transhiatal esophagectomies to facilitate gastric emptying. 3.2.2. Postoperative complications 3.2.2.1. Acute. The most serious early complication after esophagogastrectomy and gastric pull-through is a leak at the esophagogastric anastomosis related to postoperative ischemia or surgical technique [42]. Transhiatal esophagectomy is associated with a higher rate of anastomotic leaks, but these leaks typically occur in the neck, where they are less likely to cause mediastinitis or sepsis [43]. As a result, cervical leaks can be managed conservatively without need for surgery in most cases. However, intrathoracic leaks at the esophagogastric anastomosis frequently are complicated by mediastinitis and sepsis; mortality rates as high as 60% have been reported in patients with intrathoracic leaks after

esophagogastrectomy [43]. As a result, early surgical repair of intrathoracic leaks generally is advocated. Large or persistent pleural effusions, pneumomediastinum, and mediastinal widening, are all secondary signs of anastomotic leaks on chest radiographs [44]. Leaks from the esophagogastric anastomosis may be manifested on contrast studies by blind-ending tracks, sealed-off extraluminal collections, or free extravasation of contrast material into the mediastinum (Fig. 13). Because these patients often have an end-to-side esophagogastric anastomosis, incomplete lling of the proximal gastric pouch can be mistaken for a leak in this region (Fig. 14A). Such pseudoleaks can be differentiated from true leaks by placing the patient in a recumbent or even a Trendelenberg position to obtain adequate lling of the proximal gastric pouch (Fig. 14B). CT is also helpful for identifying the presence and extent of mediastinal abscess collections resulting from such leaks (Fig. 15). Because of the high mortality rates associated with intrathoracic leaks from the esophagogastric anastomosis, many surgeons ask for routine contrast studies 710 days after surgery in order to detect clinically silent leaks before oral feedings are initiated. Other early complications after esophagogastrectomy include obstruction at the esophagogastric anastomosis secondary to postoperative edema and spasm and obstruction or leaks at the pyloromyotomy site. Extrinsic compression of the intrathoracic stomach where it traverses the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm is also a frequent cause of delayed gastric emptying (Fig. 16). The latter patients are at risk for swallowing dysfunction and subsequent aspiration [4446].

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Fig. 14. (Continued.)

Fig. 14. Pseudoleak from esophagogastric anastomosis. (A) Initial spot image from study with water-soluble contrast agent shows apparent extraluminal collection of contrast material (arrows) abutting esophagogastric anastomosis. (B) Repeat view after administration of barium with patient in recumbent position shows end-to-side esophagogastric anastomosis (small arrows) with more complete lling of proximal pouch (large arrows) of intrathoracic stomach. This patient did not have a leak.

3.2.2.2. Chronic. Delayed postoperative complications after esophagogastrectomy and gastric-pull through include alkaline reux esophagitis, benign anastomotic strictures from postsurgical scarring or alkaline reux esophagitis, recurrent tumor, aspiration, and stula formation between the esophagus and adjacent mediastinal structures secondary to recurrent tumor or radiation therapy [44,47]. Anastomotic leaks have also been reported in the late postoperative period [47]. Alkaline reux esophagitis may be manifested on doublecontrast studies by mucosal nodularity, thickened folds, or ulceration in the distal esophagus above the esophagogastric anastomosis. Anastomotic strictures typically appear on barium studies as short, ringlike areas of narrowing at the

Fig. 15. Mediastinal abscess due to intrathoracic leak from esophagogastric anastomosis after esophagogastrectomy and gastric pull-through. Contrastenhanced CT shows rim-enhancing extraluminal collection (large arrows) in right posterior mediastinum, containing uid and gas. Note how collection is posterolateral to intrathoracic stomach (small arrow). Previous studies with water-soluble contrast material showed a leak from right side of esophagogastric anastomosis as the cause of this collection.

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Fig. 16. Narrowing of intrathoracic stomach by esophageal hiatus of diaphragm. Right lateral spot image from barium study shows marked narrowing (arrow) of distal end of intrathoracic stomach where it crosses esophageal hiatus of diaphragm, causing delayed emptying of barium.

esophagogastric anastomosis (Fig. 17), whereas strictures from alkaline reux esophagitis appear as longer segments of smooth, tapered narrowing in the distal esophagus (Fig. 18). When strictures develop, a jet of barium sometimes can be seen streaming through the anastomosis into the intrathoracic stomach, also known as a jet phenomenon, an indirect sign of narrowing at the esophagogastric anastomosis (see Fig. 17) [48]. In contrast, eccentric anastomotic narrowing with associated mass effect should suggest recurrent tumor [44]. CT can also be used to evaluate for local tumor recurrence as well as distant metastases. Recurrent tumor may be manifested on barium studies or CT by a soft tissue mass in the mediastinum causing an extrinsic impression on the intrathoracic stomach [49]. 3.3. Total gastrectomy and esophagojejunostomy Total gastrectomy and esophagojejunostomy are performed for surgical treatment of both benign and malignant gastric diseases, including proximal gastric carcinomas and severe gastric dysmotility [50,51]. The reported postoperative morbidity and mortality and 5-year survival rates of total gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma are similar to those of partial gastrectomy [14,52]. 3.3.1. Postoperative anatomy After a complete gastric resection, intestinal continuity most commonly is restored with a Roux-en-Y type anastomosis between the esophagus and jejunum. Most surgeons separate the esophagojejunal anastomosis at least 40 cm from

Fig. 17. Benign stricture at esophagogastric anastomosis. Spot image from barium study shows focal, symmetric narrowing (long arrow) at esophagogastric anastomosis due to postsurgical scarring. Note jet phenomenon (short arrows) due to streaming of barium through narrowed segment.

the jejunojejunal anastomosis to minimize reux of bile and pancreatic secretions into the esophagus. A proximal jejunal pouch often is created near the esophagojejunal anastomosis [53]. Both the esophagojejunal anastomosis and proximal small bowel can be readily evaluated on barium studies. However, barium often does not reux across the enteric anastomosis, limiting visualization of the Roux limb. The esophagojejunal anastomosis and proximal jejunal stump both can be identied on CT. 3.3.2. Postoperative complications 3.3.2.1. Acute. Anastomotic leaks and transient anastomotic narrowing (usually related to postoperative edema and spasm) are the most common early complications after total gastrectomy and esophagojejunostomy [8,54]. The prevalence of anastomotic leaks ranges from 1112%, and as many as one-third result in postoperative deaths [8,54]. Anastomotic leaks are most often located at the esophagojejunal anastomosis (Fig. 1) or, less commonly, at the jejunojejunal anastomosis or blind-ending jejunal stump [55].

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studies as smooth, tapered segments of symmetric narrowing. In contrast, irregular, eccentric narrowing should be worrisome for recurrent tumor, necessitating endoscopy for further evaluation [8]. CT may also reveal recurrent tumor at the esophagojejunal anastomosis (manifested by asymmetric wall thickening) or evidence of metastatic disease outside the gastrointestinal tract.

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Fig. 18. Alkaline reux-induced stricture in distal esophagus. Spot image from barium study shows smooth, tapered segment of narrowing (arrows) in distal esophagus above esophagogastric anastomosis after esophagogastrectomy and gastric pull-through.

3.3.2.2. Chronic. Delayed postoperative complications after total gastrectomy and esophagojejunostomy include jejunoesophageal reux (with or without alkaline reux esophagitis), esophageal strictures, anastomotic narrowing secondary to benign strictures or recurrent tumor, and afferent loop obstruction. Delayed anastomotic leaks may also be detected for the rst time on contrast studies performed as long as 7 months after surgery [8]. Reux of bile and pancreatic secretions from the jejunum into the esophagus can result in the development of severe alkaline reux esophagitis. Barium studies may reveal thickened, nodular folds or ulceration in the esophagus [8]. A Roux-en-Y reconstruction decreases reux of bile into the esophagus but does not entirely eliminate this complication, so alkaline reux esophagitis can also develop in these patients [8,56]. Stricture formation at the esophagojejunal anastomosis may be caused by postsurgical scarring, alkaline reux esophagitis, or recurrent tumor [50]. Benign strictures at the esophagojejunal anastomosis typically appear on barium

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